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< Back Pedaling for Change: Cycling as a Catalyst for Sustainable Urban Mobility in Africa We delve into the challenges and initiatives surrounding urban mobility in Africa. As the continent experiences rapid urbanization, increasing traffic congestion, air pollution, and road accidents have become critical issues. However, a shift towards sustainable urban mobility is emerging, spearheaded by organizations like Critical Mass Nairobi, advocating for cycling as a viable transportation mode. Cyprine, the Executive Director, emphasizes the importance of infrastructure, policies, and changing cultural perceptions to promote cycling and walking. The lack of supportive policies and infrastructure, negative cultural perceptions of cycling, and gaps in education pose significant challenges. Collaborative efforts between civil societies, government bodies, and international organizations, like the Sustainable Mobility for Africa initiative, aim to address these challenges. Initiatives such as the Kisumu Sustainable Mobility Plan and the Nairobi Bike Train demonstrate innovative solutions, highlighting the importance of community engagement, partnerships, education, and policy support in fostering sustainable urban mobility in Africa. Urban mobility is a critical issue in Africa, where rapid urbanization and population growth have led to increased traffic congestion, air pollution, and road accidents. In 2023, an estimated 60% of Africans are living in urban areas, up from 40% in 2010. By 2050, Africa is expected to be home to 2.5 billion people – many of whom will live in cities where they will increasingly use motorized transport. The number of motor vehicles in Africa is also projected to increase significantly, from 100 million in 2023 to 400 million in 2050. This will lead to even more traffic congestion and air pollution, and will also make it more difficult for people to afford transportation. This unprecedented growth is putting a strain on urban transportation systems, and many African cities are struggling to keep up. However, there is also a growing movement towards sustainable urban mobility, driven by organizations such as Critical Mass Nairobi which is a nonprofit organization that has taken up the challenge of transforming our cities into safe, accessible, and liveable cities by using bicycles. They are a group of cyclists who are passionate about making a difference in their city. They believe that cycling is a sustainable, affordable, and healthy way to get around, and they are working to promote cycling as a viable transportation option in Nairobi. Every last Saturday of the month, Critical Mass Nairobi hosts a group ride through the streets of Nairobi. The rides are a way for cyclists to come together and raise awareness on the benefits of cycling. They are also a way to show motorists and pedestrians that cyclists deserve to share the road. Cyprine, the Executive Director of Critical Mass Nairobi, advocates for more sustainable urban mobility in Africa. “There are other modes of transport other than motorized transport out there that are better, healthier, good for the environment, good for the community and bring the community together,” she says. Additionally, governments and international organizations are increasingly recognizing the importance of sustainable urban mobility and investing in infrastructure and policies to support it. For example, In February 2021 the County Government of Kisumu and City of Kisumu launched the Kisumu Sustainable Mobility Plan (KSMP) . The mobility plan is a ten-year roadmap that aims to foster increased access for city residents by prioritizing walking, cycling, and public transport. Cyprine, who was part of the team that developed and adopted the KSMP, is proud of the work that has been done. She says, “ I am happy I was part of the team that supported the development and adoption of the Kisumu Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan.” Furthermore, the African Development Bank launched the Sustainable Mobility for Africa initiative, which aims to promote sustainable urban mobility across the continent through investments in infrastructure, policies, and capacity building. The initiative has a target of mobilizing $10 billion in investments by 2030. Several key challenges limit the transition toward sustainable mobility in African cities In many African cities, the infrastructure for cycling and walking is either non-existent or poorly maintained, making it difficult and unsafe for people to use these modes of transportation. For example, a 2019 study by the World Bank found that only 10% of African cities have dedicated bike lanes. “If we had better infrastructure, we would have so many bicycles including electric bicycles. This means that people with disabilities or the elderly would have an easier and safer way of moving around. So having good infrastructure goes without saying. Even scooters and other types of soft mobilities all need somewhere to be used, and infrastructure is the biggest barrier to using those modes of transport,” explains Cyprine. The lack of policies and regulations also makes it difficult for businesses and individuals to invest in sustainable transportation options. For example, a 2020 study by the African Development Bank found that only 20% of African countries have policies promoting cycling. Unfortunately, these existing policies remain inadequate in guaranteeing the safety of cyclists, thereby necessitating them to be revised and updated. “We do not have proper policies and laws that demand or advocate for sustainable mobility. Our policies and our laws are very vague when it comes to walking and cycling. So you find that when you try to push for walking and cycling infrastructure in certain places, our policies and laws do not really support us,” Cyprine says. Moreover, In some African cultures, there is a negative perception of cycling and walking. This can make it challenging to encourage people to use these modes of transportation, even when the infrastructure and policies are in place. For example, a 2018 study by the University of Nairobi found that 60% of Kenyans believe that cycling is a mode of transportation for poor people. “A lot of us Africans are brought up to believe that car ownership is the next best thing after you finish school. The yardstick for being successful is being a driver or owning a car. So a lot of us aspire to own cars. So that really has a direct impact on the way we live our lives,and the way our cities are designed, because now when urban planners and engineers go outside, they see more people in cars. But ideally, more people are walking, but because cars occupy a lot of space, it is assumed that we have a lot of cars” Cyprine adds. Cyprine also explains that there is a disparity between education and the reality of sustainable mobility, “When I was in school, we were not taught anything about sustainable mobility or even designing sustainable cities. I’ve also had a chance to look at the Civil Engineering curriculum and it also fails to capture anything on designing sustainable cities or sustainable mobility. So our curriculum is failing us. What the professionals are taught has a very big disconnect with what the reality on the ground is.” NGOs and civil society such as Critical Mass Nairobi have played a crucial role in addressing the challenges of sustainable urban mobility in Africa. “When we started organizing our social rides in 2014, we had barely 10 people, and now every month from 2017 we've been having close to 400 cyclists and over 10 people who are new, so that means it's only getting better and now when you go outside, we have, through the advocacy work that we've been doing, bike lanes that are coming up and being improved, ” says Cyprine. She adds, “We have now gone a step further to map all existing bike lanes in Nairobi and identifying and geolocating each and every barrier there is on those bike lanes. We did this because we want our demands to be backed by facts and data. Having this data will also help us make recommendations to the Government on how best to design cycling infrastructure moving forward.” Government authorities also have a crucial role to play in promoting sustainable urban mobility in Africa. “I really want to thank the Kenyan Urban Roads Authority and the Nairobi City County Government for what they're doing. They're constructing a lot of walkways all over the city. We believe it is only a matter of time before we also start having more bike lanes constructedI can definitely see Nairobi having more people walking and cycling. “ adds Cyprine. Collaboration and knowledge-sharing are essential for driving change in sustainable urban mobility Cyprine emphasizes the importance of partnerships and cross-sectoral collaboration, “We recently did a cross-pollination of critical masses between ourselves, Addis Ababa Abuja, Cape Town, Mombasa, Jinja and Kampala where we brought together all the critical masses in Africa and organized a ride on the World Bicycle Day. It was really good because we were able to share our individual experiences and also empower each other.” Cyprine highlights several innovative solutions for addressing the challenges of sustainable urban mobility in Africa such as their novel project, ‘The Nairobi Bike Train’. The Nairobi Bike Train is pegged on the concept of ‘safety in numbers’. Cyprine and her colleagues realized that there were hundreds of people who only cycled during the monthly rides organized by Critical Mass Nairobi. This meant that they were only cycling once a month. Other than getting people to cycle more as a group, the bike train concept is a way of encouraging people to use the bicycles for commuting. “We looked at the whole of Nairobi, mapped the main traffic corridors, and developed a time schedule and stops for those places. The bike train is meant for different neighborhoods, and people can be picked up along the road at different pick up points which we called ‘Bike-stops’. Today we have 7 successful bike trains with the largest bike train having 247 members,’’ she explains. Additionally, public-private partnerships can leverage the resources and expertise of both sectors to create sustainable mobility solutions. Community engagement is also essential for creating a sense of ownership and empowerment among users of sustainable mobility. Education and training are also critical for promoting sustainable urban mobility in Africa. Cyprine emphasizes the importance of educating people about the benefits of cycling and walking, as well as promoting a positive perception towards the same, “If we start instilling the knowledge that ownership of cars is not the next best thing, we could start making people fall in love with cycling more and walking more and make people understand that just because you are walking or cycling doesn't mean you are a poor man or you're just not able to afford a car.” Finally, policies and infrastructure are essential for creating a sustainable urban mobility ecosystem. Cyprine highlights the need for supportive policies and regulations. “The Government can also look at other incentives such as tax breaks or award system for those who use active mobility Additionally, infrastructure investments are needed to create safe and accessible routes for cycling and walking.” Previous Next

Financement, Foncier et Fiscalité sont pour lui au cœur de la production de logement au Cameroun < Back Les enjeux de la promotion immobilière au Cameroun M. MOUNGANG Blaise M. MOUNGANG Blaise, promoteur immobilier et Président de l'Association des Promoteurs Immobiliers du Cameroun, nous parle de l'état actuel de la promotion immobilière au Cameroun. Financement, Foncier et Fiscalité sont pour lui au cœur de la production de logement.

< Back Leveraging digital technologies for mapping deprived areas in eThekwini, South Africa Dr. Sophie Naue, Michael Hathorn Informal settlements are home to one-quarter of the world’s urban population and the number is expected to increase in the coming years. Overall, around 1 billion urban drawlers live in settlements that are often characterized by poor housing conditions and unsecure tenure, located at the urban periphery with limited access to basic services such as clean water, electricity, and sanitation. The improvement of living conditions for these inhabitants remains a pressing global challenge. However, this massive urban growth often leads to outdated records and inaccurate data on deprived areas, which hampers public entities in sustainable planning and responses to resident needs. This raises the question: How can digital technologies help to better understand informal settlements and provide cities with spatial data to support evidence-based planning processes? Considering these challenges, UNITAC Hamburg developed BEAM (Building & Establishment Automated Mapper), a machine learning tool for mapping informal structures using aerial imagery that was piloted in collaboration with the Human Settlement Unit from eThekwini Municipality in South Africa. This project article focuses on the challenges of mapping informal settlements, considering the piloting and development of the BEAM tool in the case of eThekwini. Accurate data is crucial for upgrading informal settlements and enhancing resilience eThekwini municipality has the largest number of informal settlements in South Africa with over 587 settlements, accommodating over 314,000 households. This accounts for more than a quarter of the entire city’s population. To address this issue and strengthen community resilience the city has embraced an ambitious informal settlement upgrading programme including basic urban service delivery, housing projects and land management mechanisms. But developing a pipeline of urban upgrading and basic service delivery projects necessitates up-to-date information on the number and location of informal structures as well as environmental constraints that could prevent provision of urban basic services and affordable housing. While eThekwini Municipality is engaged in spatial data collection efforts, data on its deprived areas remains scarce. Aerial view of informal settlements in eThekwini municipality, South Africa Mapping deprived areas presents a significant challenge due to their unplanned and dynamic nature Traditionally, spatial data collection relies on survey-based approaches and census data, which continue to be both costly and time-consuming with long gaps between censuses (typically 5 – 10 years) and additional time before the information is available. Given the rapid development of informal settlements, data collected using such methods may already be obsolete when released to the user (Mahabir et al., 2018, p.4). Considering the above, aerial photography or satellite imagery can provide a detailed view of the physical structure of settlements by facilitating the extraction of building footprints. Although these methods do not capture the intricacies of informal settlements, to say nothing of the characteristics of the people living there, they provide a fast and low-cost picture of the morphology and structure of these areas. In comparison, traditional mapping remains time-consuming and is a complex process, requiring a nuanced understanding of the political, social, and economic dynamics that shape these neighborhoods. In eThekwini, data has been collected by 15 on-the ground land monitors servicing 587 settlements (eThekwini HSU, 2021). This process cannot keep track of the fast changes in the built environment. The workflow has limited the city’s capacity to respond to residents’ needs. Another source of information is remotely-sensed images. These include satellite images, lidar data, and 2,500 km2 of annually captured aerial photography, which are manually analyzed and digitalized by the GIS Cooperation of eThekwini (eThekwini HSU, 2021). The size of the areas that need coverage and the rate of change of informal settlements mean that the established processes struggle to capture and maintain data in a robust and timely fashion. These challenges align with UN-Habitat’s recent global study of smart city governance practices (UN-Habitat, 2022), which revealed that less than half of African cities effectively combine manual data with automated data and data from large-scale databases to inform decision making. Building & Establishment Automated Mapper: Using Machine Learning to map informal settlements In recent years digital technologies like remote sensing, lidar data, and deep learning have become helpful tools to improve mapping processes of informal settlements. However, developing remote sensing technologies is resource intensive and requires specialized training to operate, which can be a major obstacle for municipalities such as eThekwini. To this end UNITAC Hamburg collaborated with the Human Settlement Unit in eThekwini to develop BEAM (Building & Establishment Automated Mapper). BEAM is a mapping tool for city planners that uses ML to radically accelerate the spatial recognition of informal settlements based on aerial imagery. The tool was developed as an easy-to-use application that allows the user to quickly detect and visualize urban footprints in a specific area by simply uploading aerial images of a given location. Users have a choice of using one of two trained models (U-Net or HRNet), which offer tradeoffs in speed and performance. Images showing the labeling and training process 1, UNITAC 2024 The algorithm is trained to identify and to mark all pixels on an aerial image that the model considers as part of a building. These pixels are converted to georeferenced polygons, which represent building footprints. Those layers can be used to calculate the density of informal settlements in a very easy and quick manner or to identify changes over time, including the expansion, densification, and establishment of new settlements. Reasons for low identification accuracies of informal settlements are attributed to their rather different morphological characteristics (e.g., higher roof coverage densities, more organic patterns, and small building sizes) compared to formal built-up areas. Due to the heterogeneous characteristics of informal settlement the team had to face various challenges in training the BEAM algorithm. In particular, the model’s performance suffered when being run on building typologies that were not represented in the training set, and on imagery that was not from the same year. To address these issues, a more diverse training dataset was created, and the training pipeline was adapted to make the models more robust on out-of-sample imagery. Outputs from an early (prototype) model., UNITAC 2024 Maintain records of informal settlements’ location, extent, and changes, using BEAM’s outputs for tracking and urban planning The BEAM tool was co-designed with the Human Settlement Unit, to correspond to their needs and handed over to the city after development. To ensure direct access and advocate local ownership UNITAC also provided a manual, with a step-by-step guidance on how to install and use the tool and conducted serval tech sessions for knowledge and skills transfer, required for the effective use and integration of the tool into the existing workstreams of the municipality of eThekwini. Currently BEAM is being tested by the eThekwini GIS Cop. who has provided feedback and recommendations for improvement. There are several benefits of using algorithms like BEAM for mapping informal settlements including: Accuracy: ML algorithms can accurately map informal settlements using aerial or satellite imagery, providing a precise understanding of their location, size, and extent. Efficiency: Using ML accelerates the mapping process, saving time and resources compared to traditional methods like surveys or manual digitalization, while still delivering reliable data. Scalability: ML algorithms can be trained to analyze large data sets, useful for monitoring changes over time and identifying areas needing infrastructure development or vulnerable to environmental impacts. Challenges associated with mapping informal settlements using ML models include: Data Availability: High-quality data is needed to train ML algorithms effectively. Limited access to aerial or satellite imagery can hinder this process. Complexity: Informal settlements are diverse, with varying building materials, construction methods, and patterns, making it difficult to develop accurate ML algorithms. Ethics: ML use raises ethical concerns about privacy, surveillance, and consent. Maintenance: Continuous updates and training of algorithms are necessary to maintain accuracy and relevance, addressing the critical issues of scale and data access. Despite the challenges above, today BEAM detects urban footprints on aerial photography achieving an accuracy (Dice coefficient/F1 score) of 91% on an out-of-sample test set. It processes one image in 70 to 90 seconds. With this performance the BEAM tool allows the city to have up-to-date records of the location and extent of its informal settlements as well as to keep track of changes in the built-up area or density over time and leverage the tool output for planning. Using BEAM eThekwini can reduce the time it takes to map all informal settlements of the city from an estimated 1,320 working days to 72 hours. The tool does the work that otherwise would have taken months and a whole project team. The tool allows the municipality to automate and accelerate mapping processes and achieve more efficient and evidence-based planning processes by understanding the dynamics of Informal settlements. Model outputs (left) vs ground truths (right), UNITAC 2024 Machine Learning tools enhance urban planning but require ethical use, privacy protection, and community benefits Mapping deprived areas using ML tools has the potential to provide a more accurate and efficient method of identifying urban growth and density. This can help cities and other policymakers to better understand the dynamics of those areas and inform decision-making processes related to urban planning, housing, and infrastructure development. To manage and understand the massive urban growth, related constraints and opportunities in African cities, digital mapping tools, such as BEAM are critical. Accurate and up-to-date data is essential to the improvement of public service delivery and enhanced government workflows. Effective urban mapping workflows are vital to streamlining urban service delivery and enabling data-based policies for urban governance and management. Overall, while ML technologies can provide valuable insights of informal settlements there are several challenges and also risks associated with its use. Addressing these will be crucial to ensure that the use of such tools is not only effective but also ethical. Therefore, efforts to map informal settlements must be sensitive to addressing the needs and rights of residents, while also providing decision-makers with information they need to make informed policy decisions. The success of such endeavors relies on ensuring that communities and civil society do benefit from these tools. To minimize potential risks, it is crucial to establish appropriate data policies that protect privacy and ensure responsible data use. By prioritizing the well-being of residents and implementing the right data policies as well as participatory approaches, we can effectively harness the potential of mapping technologies to create positive change. Previous Next

< Back Urbanisme tactique : les artefacts urbains comme vecteur de mobilité durable pour une meilleure qualité de l’air dans la ville de Yaoundé Cedrix and Christolle Tsambang Les artefacts urbains, inspirés des symboles locaux et fabriqués en bambou, offrent une alternative durable, abordable et écologique pour un cadre de vie plus sain. Conçus pour encourager la marche et l'utilisation des transports en commun, ces installations éphémères s'intègrent harmonieusement dans l'espace urbain. La fermeture temporaire d'une voie de l'avenue Kennedy a incité les habitants à adopter des modes de déplacement doux, réduisant ainsi les émissions polluantes. Cette démarche souligne l'importance de repenser l'aménagement urbain pour favoriser la mobilité durable et préserver la qualité de l'air. En impliquant les artisans locaux et en utilisant des matériaux biosourcés, cette initiative contribue également au développement économique et à la protection de l'environnement. L'expérience de l'avenue Kennedy démontre le potentiel des équipements urbains pour dynamiser les espaces publics et créer des villes africaines durables et attrayantes. Une meilleure qualité de vie dans les villes africaines passe par la création d’un cadre de vie plus sain en repensant les pratiques notamment en matière de mobilité urbaine. C’est dans cette optique que s’inscrit les artefacts urbains développés par chorus architecture le long de l’avenue Kennedy de Yaoundé au Cameroun à l’occasion de la semaine de la qualité de l’air. Il s’agit d’une scénographie inspirée de symboles locaux obtenus par une combinaison contemporaine de lignes ou de faces en tiges de bambou. Le bambou plébiscité pour ses propriétés et son attrait dans la mutation vers une architecture durable se présente ici comme une alternative verte, accessible, disponible et abordable. Plus que de simples mobiliers urbains, les installations éphémères conçues sont le reflet du lieu. Vue sur l'avenue kennedy réamenagé, 2021, alaray studio Les artefacts urbains ont été conçu pour la mise en place d’une Opération d’urbanisme tactique qui entre dans le cadre de la réalisation des actions à court terme du projet de mise en place des outils de lutte contre la pollution atmosphérique dans la ville de Yaoundé. Au cœur de l’enjeu de transition écologique, la qualité de l’air apparaît comme un sujet très important pour la protection environnementale. Mettre sur pied une politique en faveur de la protection de la qualité de l’air doit s’inscrire dans une dynamique globale et nécessite des actions ambitieuses à toutes les échelles, afin de garantir à chacun le droit de respirer un air qui ne nuise pas à sa santé. Le concept de mobilité durable comprend une réflexion sur l’environnement et les problématiques de développement durable en repensant l’aménagement du territoire et de l’espace urbain. Il s’agit de limiter l’empreinte carbone et de réduire les inégalités territoriales dans les zones mal desservies par les transports, en mettant en place des solutions qui favorisent le recours aux mobilités douces. Le dispositif de lutte contre la pollution de l’air dans ce projet s’organise autour de la réduction des émissions atmosphériques causé principalement par le trafic routier, source importante d’émissions d’oxyde d’azote. L’augmentation de l’utilisation des transports en commun engendre un désengorgement sur les routes et réduit donc les substances polluantes dans l’air. Dans le centre-ville de Yaoundé les principaux transports en communs sont les taxis et les bus. Encourager à la marche serait également moyen d’améliorer la qualité de l’air tout en étant un excellent moyen de se maintenir en forme, de s’évader du quotidien tout en respectant l’environnement. Le choix du site n’est pas anodin, l’avenue Kennedy lieu mythique de la capitale est situé en plein cœur de Yaoundé et est un endroit très indiqué pour un projet de sensibilisation car toutes les couches sociales s’y côtoient. L’objectif des artefacts urbains est de contribuer à aménager des espaces urbains favorables à la mobilité douce tout en mesurant grâce à des capteurs la qualité de l’air. Il était donc question de fermer l’accès aux véhicules sur une des voies de l’avenue Kennedy pendant deux semaines afin d’inciter les habitants de la ville à plus de marche à pied et l’utilisation des transports en communs. Afin de favoriser une marche agréable et effective sur une avenue de plusieurs kilomètres tel que celle de l’avenue Kennedy il est important de créer des zones de rupture, de pause : créer des obstacles tels que des mobiliers urbains utiles afin d’agrémenter la marche et la rendre dynamique. Le mobilier urbain est donc tout à la fois porteur d’une approche fonctionnaliste et le vecteur d’une identité du projet. Le mobilier de l’espace public fait d’ailleurs aujourd’hui l’objet d’attentes qualitatives fortes en tant que véritable outil d’aménagement urbain. Il existe dans la définition même du terme « mobilier urbain » la volonté d’harmonisation, d’homogénéisation et d’appartenance : des objets rendant service, venant faciliter et embellir la vie des citoyens d’une ville. Pourtant, il semble que le mobilier urbain lorsqu’il existe est trop souvent le produit d’usages spécifiques très déterminés, qui ne laisse pas suffisamment place à des questions plus larges sur la nature de ces usages mêmes. Chorus architecture a donc designer des artefacts en guise de mobiliers urbains afin de susciter de l’interrogation, de la surprise et de la curiosité pour expérimenter de nouvelles pratiques et mettre sur pied de nouveaux concepts en amenant à remettre en question notre compréhension de la réalité afin de réintroduire l’humain dans l’urbain. Conçus et fabriqués localement avec des matériaux biosourcés de ces artefacts urbains ont permis de développer et mettre en avant le savoir-faire local en intégrant différents types d’artisans, créer des emplois tout en participant à la protection de l’environnement. En optant pour du mobilier en bambou, les artefacts concilient élégance, originalité et engagement contre la déforestation dans une perspective de développement durable. Vue sur une partie de la scénographie, 2021, alaray studio Grace aux capteurs installés dans la zone, il a été clairement démontré que la qualité de l’air à considérablement été améliorer durant ces deux semaines d’études. Ceci permet de constater l’impact sur la circulation automobile dans la ville et révéler l’importance et surtout l’efficacité des aménagements effectués. L’attrait généré par l’installation de ces équipements urbains démontre de la nécessité de réinventer nos villes en mettant un accent sur la conception de détails dans les espaces publics. De plus, des équipements urbains comme ceux-là constituent une plus-value notable pour les municipalités, et ce, quelle que soit leur taille ou leur importance. Si certains éléments présentent un aspect pratique, comme ces mobiliers urbains, de nombreux autres aménagements peuvent permettre de dynamiser la vie communale. Penser des villes africaines durables passent également par la re conception des espaces publics en mettant un accent sur l’intégration des éléments qui interpellent et qui communiquent. Cette expérience à l’avenue permet de constater qu’il est possible d’utiliser le savoir-faire local ainsi que les matériaux locaux pour créer des mobiliers urbains intéressant et respectueux de l’environnement. Previous Next

< Back Interview with Hayatte Ndiaye, President of the national order of architects of Chad Hayatte Ndiaye, president of the National Order of Architects of Chad, emphasizes the importance of defining the vision of African cities and implementing urbanization plans through strategic tools. She believes that financing the urbanization of cities is crucial, as it promotes local economies, supports industrialization, and creates jobs locally. Ndiaye emphasizes the need for a sustainable city that addresses local needs and incorporates financial policies that promote local economies. She believes that the current African city is built on fortuitous foundations that are disconnected from reality, and that a strong political will is needed to design a more sustainable future. She calls for young urban planners and architects to experiment with the local context, study the history of cities and civilizations, and question their social and cultural framework. She calls for the younger generation to continue this work of cultural reappropriation and take on new challenges such as security, health, environmental issues, and digital and technological issues. “I am Hayatte Ndiaye, pioneer architect and president of the National Order of Architects of Chad” My journey began in Chad where I did my primary and part of my secondary education before moving to France where I obtained a scientific baccalaureate. I then joined the Institut Supérieur d’Architecture Victor Horta / Université Libre de Bruxelles, for a course in architecture: design and realization of buildings. Upon graduation, I began my professional career in France with the Parisian firm Architecture Studio where I worked for a year before returning to Chad in 2009, which was then in the middle of a construction boom thanks to the oil windfall. Back in N’Djaména, I collaborated with the Cabinet Atepa on two major public works from 2009 to 2011, before setting up the Hayatt Architecture firm. Under the seal of responsible architecture, the firm defends an unconventional architecture, respectful of the environment, which pays particular attention to the energy performance of the building. The social dimension and the impact that architecture can have on the daily life of people have always been at the center of my concerns. Member of the international jury of the African School of Architecture and Urbanism (EAMAU) graduation, I also intervene in various conferences, including the West African Festival of Architecture (WAAF).Member of the international jury TERRA AWARD SAHEL and the Forum of Earthen Construction Actors (FACT Sahel), I will be at the origin of the international conference, Sustainable Habitat in the Sahel, the first edition of which will be held in April 2018 in N’Djamena. In July 2019, I was elected president of the National Order of Architects of Chad (ONAT), and in November of the same year, we organized in N’Djaména the very first round table of architecture on the future of African cities, with the theme «African cities of the future», which brought together many actors in the world of construction, including about fifteen presidents of continental and international orders. Under the aegis of the National Assembly, I will preside in March 2021, the jury of the architectural competition for the construction of the memorial stele of Bohoma, a locality on Lake Chad. “Urbanization should not be a matter of chance” Urban development must be the result of a long-term vision, a conscious and concerted vision, accompanied by a substantial financing plan, likely to support its implementation. This regalian mission for the future of our cities and the image they project is the responsibility of our states, and should not be the result of a haphazard process, built according to the financial aid of international organizations or the specifications of intransigent donors. The urgency is therefore in the definition of this vision of the actors of the African city, of the present and the future of their living environment, and in the implementation of this urbanization plan through a transcendent leadership of our governors. These visions must be guided by strategic tools, including territorial coherence plans for the harmonious development of our territories. To effectively mobilize financing, we must put in place mechanisms that promote the development of local economies, supporting industrialization, and creating jobs locally. It is unacceptable that after decades of independence we are still relying on international donations to finance development. The question of financing the urbanization of our cities is therefore crucial. Most African cities develop in spontaneous concentric rings around a more or less planned central core. These unplanned new districts crystallize most of the governance problems that these cities face. It is therefore essential to question our modes of production of urban space, when we know that even our villages respond to well-defined principles and schemes in their development. For example, public squares occupy a central place in our villages and disappear in the orthogonality of our cities. Our way of making the city must take into consideration our culture, our identity, our uses by giving back to the village square its determining place in our cities. And because the African (subSaharan) man is by nature an outdoor man, particular care must be taken in the design and management of urban public spaces. Our cities must reflect the people who live in them, they must be more inclusive and more sustainable. Imported models, designed outside, have shown their limits because they are unsuitable. They often lead to dehumanization with all the consequences that we know. Integrating the notion of identity and culture in the planning of our cities from the outset is the price of their resilience. “The sustainable city is above all a city thought locally by the inhabitants” We are in a context of globalization where African cities are under attack from multinational firms, selling concepts and turnkey products, without having had the time to learn or to experiment, which is the key to sustainable development. It is therefore clear that for us the music is going a little too fast. If we consider that the notion of sustainability and its corollary, resilience, presuppose a mastery of the processes and techniques of creating and managing a city, the African city has every interest in defining and implementing its own score in this new voracious configuration of the world. Our cities are developing more and more rapidly, with a construction market in constant evolution. However, most of the building materials, representing 50% to 70% of the total cost of construction, come from imports. This has the effect of making access to housing expensive, excluding vulnerable people with low incomes, who represent the largest segment of the population. Panorama of N'djamena, Photo by Dmitry Moiseenko, austria-forum The advent of the sustainable city in Africa must therefore integrate financial policies that promote the development of local economies, have a holistic approach that integrates local expertise, and address the financial dimension in a sustainable manner. This is why the sustainable city is above all a city thought locally by its inhabitants, a city that responds to local needs, otherwise it becomes useless. Paradoxically, historically, African cities were sustainable cities, because they were designed according to their environment, and the ways of life of our ancestral societies. Unfortunately, all these skills have been abandoned in the design of the modern city. The current African city is built on fortuitous foundations that do not work because they are disconnected from reality. An introspection, a diagnosis and a repositioning are therefore necessary to build the city of tomorrow. “Strong political will is needed to design a more sustainable future for our cities” The construction of most of the world’s major cities is based on political visions and the commitment of governments. Similarly, in Africa, our leaders must first of all take a more proactive approach to urban issues. It is therefore through a strong, deliberate and conscious political will and citizenry, and a long-term projection of our cities that we can significantly and sustainably improve our urban environment. N'Djamena, Photo by Dzmitry Aleinik There is often an incompatibility between the problems we are experiencing and the answers that are given to them. It is more than urgent that our leaders become aware of the priority nature of the urban issue, as it has repercussions on the safety, health, well-being and economy of our cities. From this point on, we would gain by planning our cities with military rigor. The African city of tomorrow will therefore be the one we choose. “Young urban planners and architects must think in an uninhibited way about the design of African cities” The mission of young urban planners and architects on the continent is to experiment with the local context, to study the history of our cities and civilizations, to question their social and cultural framework, etc. This should allow them to have a specific look and to propose innovative and contextualized approaches to the development of our cities. They have the responsibility to reappropriate their history and to propose models that best correspond to the needs of our populations. David Adjaye and Francis Kéré, among others, are architects who should serve as an example for them because they have succeeded in breaking away from the classic and standardized approaches to architecture. These architects have paved the way, it is up to the younger generation to follow in their footsteps by continuing this work of cultural reappropriation which is the basis of our identity. The young generation of architects and urban planners must take on the new challenges facing our cities and countries, such as security, health and environmental issues with climate change, as well as digital and technological issues. Their greatest challenge will be to succeed in reconciling all these aspects so that we have cities that are pleasant to live in and that leave no one behind. Previous Next

< Back African Cities Magazine 5 October 31, 2024 This issue of African Cities Magazine highlights the role of digital innovation and sustainable design in addressing Africa's urban challenges. In the Special Feature, Rachel Adams of the Global Center on AI Governance discusses AI’s ethical potential for tackling poverty and healthcare. Practical applications include South Africa's BEAM tool for mapping informal settlements, a water management geoportal in Antananarivo, IoT air quality sensors in Douala, and Senegal's Diamniadio Smart City Program. The Urban Planning Innovation section focuses on community-driven solutions, such as Senegal’s Urban Renewal Revolving Fund, which co-finances housing projects, and Nigeria’s Abuja Urban Lab, promoting collaborative waste management. In Architecture Innovation, architects like Nzinga Biegueng Mboup in Dakar and the TwistBlocks® initiative in Nairobi showcase affordable, culturally inspired designs. Across Africa, architects use tools like BIM and 3D printing to create sustainable, Afrocentric architecture. The African Architecture and Urban Heritage section celebrates heritage preservation, from Benin’s LIDAR-digitized Afro-Brazilian architecture to Goethe-Institut Senegal’s sustainable building archive. Lastly, Cities, Pixels, and Colors captures the roles of intermediate cities like Bakel and Kaédi, showcasing their efforts to balance growth with resource limitations, visually celebrated by Leandry Jieutsa and odysseesdarchitectures. Special feature: The potential of digital technologies for urban transformation in Africa Interviews with Rachel Adams, CEO of the Global Center on AI Governance, Diop Dieynaba, Head of Diamniadio’s Smart City Program, and Issaka Maman Lourwana, founder of Digital Niger Transformative projects harnessing digital innovation to address Africa's urban challenges A vision built from earth: Portrait of Nzinga Biegueng Mboup, Architect and cofounder of Worofila Our goal is really finding a way to democratize it and also teach people the very basic notion of good design principles Community-driven projects that empower residents, improve infrastructure, and promote sustainable, resilient development across African cities The Urban Planning Innovation section, community-led projects take center stage. Senegal’s Urban Renewal Revolving Fund offers a co-financing model inspired by traditional savings practices, empowering vulnerable communities in housing and infrastructure. Similarly, Nigeria’s Abuja Urban Lab engages stakeholders in creating sustainable waste management frameworks. Digital preservation with sustainable design to celebrate cultural resilience and timeless beauty of Africa's urban heritage The African Architecture and Urban Heritage section celebrates cultural heritage, from LIDAR digitization of Afro-Brazilian architecture in Benin to the preservation of pre-colonial city designs, bridging history and modern urbanism across Africa. English version Version française Previous Next

Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia and the diplomatic centre of Africa, embodies a 130 years of development history that contributes to its current socio-spatial features. African Union Headquarters, Addis Ababa grew from a settlement of an estimated 15,000 people in 1888 to more than 3.6 million in 2020. According to the Central Statistical Agency, the population is estimated to surpass 5 million in 2036. Public transportation is through public buses or blue and white share taxis, locally known as "blue donkeys". The taxis are usually minibuses that can sit at least twelve people. This photo series presents some shots of the city center of this magnificent capital of East Africa with images of the city center in full transformation, modern architecture, public and green spaces in an urban atmosphere mixing street shops, shoe shiners stroller shoes, etc. Addis Ababa-Ethiopia Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia and the diplomatic centre of Africa, embodies a 130 years of development history that contributes to its current socio-spatial features. African Union Headquarters, Addis Ababa grew from a settlement of an estimated 15,000 people in 1888 to more than 3.6 million in 2020. According to the Central Statistical Agency, the population is estimated to surpass 5 million in 2036. Public transportation is through public buses or blue and white share taxis, locally known as "blue donkeys". The taxis are usually minibuses that can sit at least twelve people. This photo series presents some shots of the city center of this magnificent capital of East Africa with images of the city center in full transformation, modern architecture, public and green spaces in an urban atmosphere mixing street shops, shoe shiners stroller shoes, etc.

< Back African Cities Magazine 2 October 31, 2021 This second edition of our magazine takes up some of the major axes that underlie the development of African cities. A special feature is devoted to education in architecture and urban planning in Africa in the first part. Then we address major issues of the urban future of the continent including public spaces, urban resilience, smart city. etc. You will have the opportunity to discover special interviews with some of the major actors of architecture and urbanism on the continent, who will present their visions for the African cities of tomorrow. Inspiring projects in architecture and urbanism are also presented, especially those that promote better social inclusion, integration of local communities, and local economic development. Finally, this second edition of the magazine shows the place of religious cultures in architecture in Africa before highlighting inspiring urban art projects. Special feature: Education in architecture, planning and design in Africa: challenges and vision for more sustainable and resilient African cities A series of interviews with academics, researchers and heads of urban studies teaching institutions to understand the challenges and draw a common vision of how to teach architecture and urban planning to build more sustainable cities in Africa. Interview with Professor Jérôme Chenal Academic Director Excellence in Africa (EXAF - EPFL) I n this interview conducted by Patrick Emmanuel Somy ij Abidjan in Ivory Coast , the themes mentioned are the challenges of African cities, the role of education in urban studies for more sustainable cities in Africa, the models of the urban planners of tomorrow, the vision of the African city of tomorrow, etc. Portrait of Hayate Ndiaye, president of the national order of architects of Chad The sustainable city is above all a city thought locally by the inhabitants... English version Version française Previous Next

< Back Abuja Urban Lab: collective action as a catalyst for transforming waste governance Vanessa Vovor The Abuja Urban Lab, launched in December 2023 by the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA), is an innovative initiative aimed at transforming waste management governance in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja. Co-funded by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), this CoM SSA project focuses on creating a sustainable and climate-responsive waste governance framework to address the environmental impacts of rapid urbanization and population growth. By engaging a diverse range of stakeholders—including local government bodies, academia, the private sector, civil society, youth groups, and traditional leaders—the Urban Lab facilitates collaborative solutions that incorporate local knowledge and innovative practices. This article explores the objectives, approach, and anticipated impact of the Abuja Urban Lab, highlighting its potential to serve as a model for other African cities facing similar challenges. Abuja’s rapid urbanization has led to waste management challenges, prompting collaborative solutions for urban resilience Solid waste disposal point, eAbor Photography for CoM SSA Abuja, as Nigeria’s first planned city and capital since 1991, has experienced rapid urbanization, leading to significant challenges in waste management, such as environmental degradation, illegal dumping and burning of waste, which exacerbate climate-related hazards such as flooding and pollution. The Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), responsible for managing waste within its jurisdiction, struggles with inadequate infrastructure, financial constraints, and overlapping governance mandates with the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB). To address these challenges, AMAC, with the support of the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA), developed and launched its Sustainable Energy Access and Climate Action Plan (SEACAP) in 2022. The action plan sets ambitious targets for climate change mitigation and adaptation as well as access to sustainable energy, with a key focus on improving waste management as a critical component of enhancing urban resilience. A rapid assessment conducted in early 2023 by the African Centre for Cities, in collaboration with CoM SSA, identified critical waste management issues in Abuja, including inefficient landfill management, lack of waste flow specialization, and governance challenges. Recognizing the need for a coordinated and inclusive approach, AMAC selected the topic of waste governance as the Urban Lab’s central theme in April 2023 with inputs from a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from AMAC, AEPB, Nile University, Baze University, and other academic institutions in Abuja. The Abuja Urban Lab was subsequently established to foster collaboration among an even wider range of stakeholders to co-create innovative solutions for waste management that align with Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. The Abuja Urban Lab employs a participatory, inclusive approach, engaging diverse stakeholders to co-create sustainable waste management solutions AMAC SEACAP Launch July 2022 Abuja CoM SSA The Abuja Urban Lab employs a deeply participatory and inclusive approach to tackle waste management challenges by convening stakeholders across various sectors. With Nile University of Nigeria serving as an anchor of the process, consultations with the public sector are held with not only the Abuja Municipal Area Council and Abuja Environmental Protection Board, but also with key subnational representatives and bodies of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) such as the Mandate Secretary on Health and Environment, the Minister Senior Special Assistant on Environment and Waste Management, the Satellite Towns Development Agency, the Permanent Secretary on Health and Environment and the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council. Moreover, civil society organizations, such as the Association of Women Town Planners of Nigeria, play a crucial role in ensuring gender-sensitive planning and inclusivity. Youth groups, particularly those affiliated with local universities, contribute innovative ideas and fresh perspectives, while the private sector, represented by recycling companies, waste collectors and other environmental service providers, provides key insights integral to developing a circular economy in Abuja. The informal sector, including waste pickers and small-scale recyclers, is actively engaged to ensure their critical role in the waste management ecosystem is recognized and integrated into formal processes. Additionally, traditional rulers and community leaders are involved to raise awareness among local communities and incorporate cultural practices into waste management solutions. This comprehensive and inclusive model fosters a sense of ownership and collaboration, ensures cultural relevance, and integrates local knowledge into waste governance solutions. A significant milestone of the Urban Lab was the city-to-city exchange in May 2024, which facilitated a visit to Lagos for a group of Abuja Urban Lab stakeholders to learn from Lagos’s advanced waste management strategies. This exchange provided valuable insights into policy reforms, public-private partnerships, and inclusive governance models that can be adapted for Abuja. The Urban Lab continues to focus on strengthening stakeholder engagement, conducting in-depth policy reviews, and addressing governance challenges to develop practical and sustainable waste management strategies tailored to Abuja’s needs. The Abuja Urban Lab aims to transform the city’s waste management, enhancing environmental health, economic growth, and social inclusion The Abuja Urban Lab is anticipated to have a transformative impact on the city’s waste management system, contributing to environmental health, economic development, and social inclusion. By supporting the development of a more cohesive and inclusive waste governance structure, the Urban Lab aims to create an enabling environment for future sustainable infrastructure projects, such as waste valorization facilities. Through its inclusive stakeholder consultation process, the Lab is working to create strong policy recommendations aligned with international environmental standards. These efforts are expected to support the adoption of sustainable waste management practices across the city, contributing to Abuja’s long-term urban planning and development strategies. The CoM SSA Urban Lab’s emphasis on improving governance structures and fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders—including government agencies, the private sector, civil society, and the informal sector—lays the foundation for future investments and innovations in waste management. The Lab’s emphasis on social inclusion ensures that all voices are heard, fostering a sense of ownership and accountability among participants. This coordinated approach is expected to support AMAC in achieving its SEACAP targets, including a 20% reduction in waste-related greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. The Abuja Urban Lab’s impact extends beyond environmental benefits, contributing to the overall resilience of Abuja’s urban environment and serving as a model for other African cities facing similar challenges. The Abuja Urban Lab provides a replicable model for sustainable waste management and climate resilience through stakeholder collaboration and long-term environmental goals The Abuja Urban Lab represents a significant advancement in addressing the intertwined challenges of waste management and climate resilience in Nigeria’s capital. Through its participatory approach and collaborative solutions, the CoM SSA Urban Lab is creating a blueprint for sustainable urban development that can be replicated in other African cities. The ongoing collaboration among stakeholders, including government bodies, academia, civil society, the private sector, and traditional leaders, ensures that the project not only meets its immediate goals but also contributes to long-term environmental sustainability and social equity in Abuja. After facilitating its Urban Lab approach in the capital, the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa would remain a partner of choice for the city in the preparation of urban infrastructure projects to further enhance waste management efficiency. President of Women Town Planners Association of Nigeria and AMAC Head of Environement Abuja June 2024 CoM SSA Previous Next

Luc Gnacadja, expert en développement urbain, met en avant le potentiel de l'économie informelle dans les villes africaines pour favoriser leur développement durable. < Back Capitaliser sur l'économie informelle pour un développement urbain durable en Afrique Luc Gnacadja Luc Gnacaja, président de GPS Développement, ancien ministre de l'Environnement au Bénin, souligne l'importance de repenser le développement urbain en Afrique. Il met en avant le caractère informel des villes africaines, dominant à plus de 80%, et souligne son rôle dans l'économie. Gnacadja encourage à capitaliser sur cette informaliité pour favoriser le développement urbain durable, soulignant le besoin d'outils et de formations adaptés pour les planificateurs et décideurs. Il appelle à une approche agile et inclusive pour répondre aux défis urbains africains.

< Back World cities day talk 2022 Conference October 28, 2022 Ivory Coast, Yaoundé, Cameroon Exploring New Approaches for Inclusive African Cities The World Cities Day Talk (WCDT) is an annual event co-organized with the Nandhaa firm to celebrate World Cities Day. The purpose of this event is to provide a forum for discussion on the issues facing African cities. Additionally, it aims to raise awareness of the challenges of urban development in Africa and to reflect on innovative solutions that can address the identified challenges. Thus, gathered around a key theme of sustainable urbanism in Africa, city stakeholders and professionals share their knowledge and experiences. In 2022, the World Cities Day Talk was organized simultaneously in several African countries, including Cameroon, Ivory Coast, and Morocco, in collaboration with local partners such as universities, architecture schools, international organizations, institutions, and private companies. It mobilized more than 500 people. In Cameroon, the WCDT2022 was held in Yaoundé from October 24th to 28th, 2022, under the theme «The Future of Cameroonian Cities: Acting Locally for Global Impact,» including conference debates on urban art and strategies for sustainable urban development. An art exhibition and after-work events also enriched the event. In Morocco, the event took place in Rabat, with a conference on «Exploring New Approaches for Inclusive African Cities,» focusing on the role of the new generation in building sustainable and inclusive cities. In Ivory Coast, the WCDT2022 was held in Abidjan on October 13th, as part of World Architecture Day, with a panel on «City and Health» hosted by AIN in partnership with the Order of Architects and the Abidjan Architecture House. Online and/or in-person, the WCDT brings together numerous city stakeholders every year to discuss inclusive, resilient, and sustainable cities in Africa. Moreover, this event also marks the launch of the African Cities Magazine. Previous Next

< Back Le numérique: un terreau fertile à labourer pour la transformation durable de la mobilité Cet interview d'Antoine CHEVRE met en lumière les opportunités offertes par le numérique pour améliorer la mobilité urbaine durable en Afrique, tout en soulignant les défis de mise en œuvre. Il met en avant l'impact des technologies numériques sur la transformation des transports dans les villes africaines, en mettant l'accent sur des initiatives telles que l'utilisation du paiement mobile, la cartographie des réseaux de transport artisanal via des smartphones, et la mise à disposition des données de transport en open source. L'interview souligne également l'importance de la collaboration et de la normalisation des données (format GTFS) pour garantir leur interopérabilité et faciliter le développement d'applications. Enfin, elle aborde les défis majeurs, notamment la mise à jour des données et la standardisation dans un contexte de transport artisanal non planifié, tout en soulignant l'importance de divers moyens de transport pour améliorer la mobilité urbaine durable en Afrique. Les opportunités du numérique pour la mobilité urbaine durable en Afrique sont à la fois nombreuses et difficiles à mettre en œuvre Au cours des dernières décennies, l’avènement du numérique a permis de favoriser le déploiement de nouvelles solutions de mobilité à travers le monde, et plus récemment dans les villes africaines, afin d’améliorer les conditions de mobilité des citoyens. Des technologies numériques comme le paiement mobile qui est une véritable innovation en Afrique offre des opportunités pour accélérer le développement des villes africaines en sautant des étapes technologiques (leapfrogging) pour se positionner à l’avant-garde de la transformation numérique des transports. Les villes africaines se démarquent également par des pratiques qui sont réinventées à grand renfort de capital risque dans d’autres parties du monde. C’est le cas des taxis partagés qui est une pratique courante dans plusieurs villes africaines et se réinventent en occident avec Uberpool par exemple, qui propose de partager des taxis pour économiser. "Le numérique est un levier majeur à plusieurs titres. Pour mieux connaître le secteur du transport artisanal, pour le formaliser et pour mieux le réguler et pouvoir gérer la multitude d’opérateurs pour la puissance publique." , déclare Antoine CHEVRE, spécialiste de la Division transport de l’AFD. Le numérique permet d’avoir une meilleure connaissance de l’offre de transport, et particulièrement en ce qui concerne le transport artisanal qui se qui se définit par opposition aux exploitants de bus structurés et représente l’écrasante majorité de l’offre de transport dans les villes d’Afrique Subsaharienne. Ceci est rendu possible à travers la cartographie des réseaux de transport artisanal au moyen de smartphones et en utilisant des solutions open source. De telles initiatives ont été disséminées à travers les villes africaines, à l’instar de Digital Matatu à Nairobi, Accra Mobile au Ghana ou TransportforCairo en Egypte. La mise à disposition en mode ouvert des données transports non seulement auprès des décideurs mais aussi auprès des usagers, contribue à une meilleure régulation des systèmes existants et la planification des nouveaux modes. Une autre vertu du numérique étant de pouvoir s’adapter aux besoins de chacun. Toutefois, les données ne sont pas une finalité, car elles, seule, ne suffisent pas pour transformer le secteur du transport artisanal en Afrique. D’après le World Resource Institute, au moins 105 millions de personnes vivant dans les villes africaines ne disposent pas d’informations fiables sur leurs systèmes de transit. Il importe donc d’explorer les différents leviers de valorisation de la donnée transport. DigitalTransport4Africa (DT4A), un début de réponse au partage et à l’exploitation de la donnée transport L’initiative DT4A est née dans le but de mettre en réseau l’ensemble des acteurs engagés dans l’application du numérique aux objectifs d’amélioration de la mobilité. Elle s’inscrit dans une approche appelée « beyond mapping » qui vise donc à explorer les différentes solutions se basant sur les données pour transformer le secteur du transport artisanal. Dans ce cadre, DT4A a lancé un “Défi de l’innovation”, afin d’identifier et de financer des microprojets utilisant chacun un levier différent. Parmi ceux-ci, on peut citer : ewarren à Abidjan, une fintech qui aborde la formalisation du secteur et des données via le paiement mobile, addis map qui vise à développer une application voyageur en utilisant la technologie open source ; Trufi ; go metro en Afrique du sud qui produit un jeu de données sur le réseau de Stellenbosch pour étudier la faisabilité d’un passage à l’électro mobilité, Khartoum map qui vise à créer un jeu de données initiales. "Nous avons voulu à travers cette initiative poser les bases d’une culture de la donnée transport en Afrique en faisant la promotion de l’ouverture des données et de leur standardisation au format GTFS pour assurer l’interopérabilité." , précise Antoine. DT4A est un acteur engagé dans la construction de biens communs numériques tels que OpenStreetMap en ce qui concerne les données géographiques utiles à la cartographie des itinéraires et des arrêts. Cependant, au-delà de la dimension géographique, l’information sur les services de transport intègre le niveau de service (fréquence, vitesse commerciale, etc.). Dans ce sens, le standard GTFS (General Transit Feed System) joue un rôle crucial en ce sens qu’il s’agit d’un format de données standardisées. Il permet ainsi d’avoir des données interopérables, qui soient accessibles et facilement compréhensibles de tous, favorisant de ce fait le développement d’applicatifs. En outre, dans un contexte où la plupart des collectivités locales africaines n’a pas aujourd’hui les moyens techniques et financiers de créer et d’entretenir cette infrastructure de données au format GTFS, DT4A œuvre également à l’internalisation des compétences. Notamment, à travers le partage de connaissances et le renforcement des capacités sur la cartographie des réseaux entre autres. DT4A fournit aussi des solutions d’hébergement (GitLab) pour le stockage de jeu de données et le partage d’un centre de ressources. Il n’y a en effet pas de réel business model pour l’information voyageur Du point de vue des défis majeurs, deux écueils principaux se dégagent. Tout d’abord, celui de l’actualisation des données. En effet, il est souvent facile de mobiliser un budget pour réaliser le recueil initial mais il est beaucoup plus difficile de mobiliser des moyens techniques, humains et financiers récurrent pour mettre à jour ces données. D’un autre côté, dans un contexte de transport artisanal, par définition non planifié dans le détail, la question de la standardisation des données au format GTFS se pose dans la mesure où il est difficile d’arriver au niveau de granularité attendu d’un jeu de données GTFS. D’autant plus que ceux-ci sont censés être produits par des exploitants de transports professionnels et imposent que chaque bus qui circule soit identifié dans le temps et l’espace tout au long de l’année. Au mieux, il est possible de disposer des itinéraires avec des arrêts et une fréquence avec distinction heure de pointe / heure creuse. Néanmoins, dans un contexte de villes africaines avec une croissance rapide, le transport artisanal représente un atout majeur qui associé à d’autres moyens de mass transit, tels que le BRT ou le Tramway, permettrait de réduire considérablement les difficultés de mobilité. Ajouté à cela, et grâce au numérique, le développement des services de transport à la demande pour compléter le réseau de mobilité. De telles actions contribueraient à la réduction de l’usage de la voiture individuelle, tout en favorisant une mobilité urbaine durable. Previous Next